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Afghan Villagers Get Medical, Dental Care

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 11, 2008  Afghan national security forces and coalition forces yesterday wrapped up a two-day operation that provided free medical and dental services to villagers in remote sections of the Nahr Surkh district in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

An Afghan woman receives medicine from a coalition medic after a checkup. Afghan and coalition forces offered free medical and dental services to villagers in remote sections of the Nahr Surkh district in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Jan. 9–10, 2008. U.S. Army photo(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The combined medical team treated more than 80 patients from the village of Gereshk and the surrounding area.

While many patients sought treatment for minor ailments associated with winter illnesses, such as colds and flu symptoms, other patients received much-needed dental care. Villagers in need also received food items such as rice and beans, as well as other sundry items.

With the recent winter weather dumping snow and rain on Afghanistan, travelling to the clinic was an ordeal for villagers. However, the Gereshk residents who made the trip were grateful for the assistance.

“God bless you for helping the Afghan people,” said an Afghan woman who received medicine after her checkup.

“The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to meeting the needs of the Afghan people throughout the winter,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “We are happy to work alongside the Afghan government to provide medical services to villagers in remote areas of the country.”

An Afghan man receives a dental checkup from a coalition dentist. Afghan and coalition forces offered free medical and dental services to villagers in remote sections of the Nahr Surkh district in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Jan. 9–10, 2008. U.S. Army photoDownload screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution